Instead of a gov’t of the people, by the people, and for the people, we have ended up with a gov’t for a party – Prof. Kwasi Prempeh
The Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, has criticised Ghana’s current political system, warning that democracy in the country has shifted from serving the people to serving partisan interests.
He shared this at the maiden Akoto Ampaw anniversary lecture.
The event, held on Wednesday, October 23, at the University of Ghana, brought together attendees, including civil society organizations (CSOs), students, foreign envoys, stakeholders from the judiciary, and educational sectors, all gathered to reflect on the challenges of Ghana's Fourth Republic.
In his keynote address, Prof. Prempeh lamented the state of governance in Ghana, explaining how the nation’s democracy has deviated from its intended purpose.
“Our democracy has been turned against us. Instead of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we have ended up with a government of the party, by the party, for the party,” he remarked.
His statement resonates with a growing concern that the governing apparatus, designed to serve the people, has instead been captured by political elites who prioritise the interests of their party over those of the broader citizenry.
Prof. Prempeh didn’t stop at diagnosing the problem—he emphasized that change begins with active citizenship.
“How do we change this situation? This is where citizenship enters the equation. The citizens have a big role to play in changing the affairs of government. Public participation is very important,” he urged.
His comments underscored the need for citizens to take a more active role in holding their government accountable, demanding policies and practices that prioritise the public good over partisan agendas.
The lecture, which was organised by Friends of Akoto Ampaw in collaboration with CDD-Ghana and the Institute of African Studies, also paid tribute to the life and work of the late Akoto Ampaw, a renowned human rights lawyer and advocate for justice.
Prof. Prempeh highlighted Ampaw’s commitment to national service, noting that while he engaged in politics, he remained non-partisan, always prioritising patriotism over political alignment.
“Akoto Ampaw, while he did participate in politics, and sometimes on behalf of persons whose politics he did not share, was never partisan. He was a patriot. When he did politics, he did politics as a patriot,” Prof. Prempeh said.
Held under the theme “The Problems of Ghana’s 4th Republic,” the lecture offered a platform to critically evaluate the successes and challenges of Ghana’s democratic journey since the 1992 Constitution.
Discussions at the event reflected the growing dissatisfaction with the structure of governance, with many attendees echoing Prof. Prempeh’s call for reforms to ensure that the Constitution truly serves the needs of the people.
The lecture concluded with a clear message: Ghana’s democracy must be reclaimed by its citizens. The people must push for reforms that ensure the government serves the entire population and not just the interests of the ruling political party.
The event also served as a reminder of Akoto Ampaw’s enduring legacy—a life dedicated to justice, equality, and the belief that true patriotism transcends partisan politics.